Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1887-05-26

OcCdusc, uOctOrs the dGCack was
like so many others-a temporary
spasm merely. and she was quiet again
almost Immediately. We had no
idea
49, ..No. I suppose not" said Tom, quite
naturally. '.And what can do for
you now, Mr.. Lodencrafta" he added.
Mother thought had better come
round and tell you. and get the certifi-
cate, if you please"
'.Humphr' said Tom.
s.Does that mean, doctor, there is any
doubt in your mind as to the cause of
my sisters death?" the young man
asked.
this is the first intimation you have had
of the intricacies of your sisters case?
1 have always been perfectly frank
with you and your mother. and I am
sure my father was equally so,'' said
Tom.
Gould it not be called consumption,
doctor?"
There was somethin g in this sugges-
ton that was responsible for the birth
of a strange suspicion. l wondered
how it would strike Tom. ! hadn't
long to wait.
Eyes, Mr.. Lodencraft," said he, lit
might be called consumption by a man
who was anxious to lie, but / am not
that man."
81 beg pardon" said the visitor,
"but it seemed more like that to me
than any thing else. We have had a
good deal of consumption in the fam
Hey. you know, doctor. I hope and
pray" he added, as his companion
made no further response, ''that an
autopsy will not be considered neces-
sary. You know how worn out and
completely unnerved my mother is. !
am not sure but that it would kill her."
This appeal seemed to carry censid-
cradle weight. For moment there
was utter silence Then Tom said
quite kindly:
"Well. Mr.. Lodencraft, I will see
what can be done, but it is quite inn
possible for me to give you an answer
now"
Il am goin g round there" said Tom,
as he returned to the inner office after
seeing his visitor out, ''and l want
you to drive with me. What did you
think of Lodencraft?" he asked after
we were fairly started. Il think he's
| an internal scoundrel," he went on,
without waiting for a reply. Il don't
suppose you suspect it, Jack, but I had
all could do to Keep my hands of
that fellows throat. I don't know
but I'd be willing to be changed into a
blood hound if in that way might
have the privilege of tearing that fel'
low limb from limb
Tom Carrolton was certainly taking
leave of his senses. What could pos
sibly do or say in a crisis like this that
would be of any service?
you needn' worry" he added, as
slipped my hand affectionately through
his arm. 81 shall hold on to myself,
but in the name of all that is sacred.
Jack, what does it mean? I not only
feel as if were in perfect possession OF
my own senses, but that they had been
supplemented by others-purer and
much more subtle than mine. &
sounds like rot know-and perhaps
| it is"
| The reins were in my hands now
and Tom was on the sidewalk. hat
driven about with him good deal. an6
as he stalked up the steps with bent
and thoughtful head there was nothin G
in his appearance to mark any differ
ence between this strange and entirely
abnormal condition and the other t.
which had always been accustomed
Whatever might betide, the profes.
sional head was on his shoulders, ant
Twas thankful for that I knew he
shrank from touching the bell, but h
gave it the usual jerk-every bod.
knew Doc. Carrolton's ring-and in
moment more was lost to sight. 1
seemed an age before he re-appeared
and then he hurried down the street t
meet the undertaken who was just driv
ing up.
"What did you do that for?''
asked, as he at last resumed his seat.
"I forbade his taking any ice int
that house," he replied.
What is it, nows" said I, trying
speak calmly; but the sight of Tom
agonized face made me more nervou
than ever was before in my life.
God knows" he answered, II b.
lieve, Jack, that am called upon to d
/ something" he went on, slowly an
with earnest emphasis, as if endeavorin
to state the matter to himself as well s
place it before me, .'by some power {
r intelligence apart from my own. be
, of you not to sniff. I couldn't bear i
2 You know 1 have always been hare
1 headed. practical fellow, unsuperst
/; tious and unsentimental; but if wei
to tell you the strange thoughts, tt
, awful convictions that possess me
this moment, you would doubles
e think l had lost my balance. But ;
3 YOU have believed in me and stood
me in the past, beg of you to hay
I faith in me now"
81 wish you would talk it all GU
Tom," I replied. Don't keep n
n thing back for fear of my shifting"
v Jack, among the rest of the thins
:, that seem to be told is-that the
h that the girl isn't dead, said my COZ
d panion, in tone and manner tn
e made me feel as if had been on ice f
s. a week.
k But didn't you see her and ma
e surep' l asked. E
81 saw her." said Tom, land ma
H., cI,A